WE KNOW…That’s A LOT easier said then done. But this will make a HUGE difference to the health of your hair. Here are some tips on how to cut down on heat damage.
Try out heatless hairstyles. Far less damaging and they can still be just as cute. (We will write another post about some of our favorite hairstyles in the future.)
Let your hair air dry when possible.
When you do use heat, always use a heat protectant! Make sure you aren’t putting your heat tools on the highest setting.
Never use straighteners or curling tools on damp hair.
Use ceramic plated tools and an ionic blow dryer (it cuts hair-drying time in half and only use half the heat standard hair dryers use) Hence- less split ends and healthier looking hair.
2. Deep Condition
A deep conditioning treatment can made a world of difference. Try doing a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week. Here’s our favorite conditioning treatment:
Coconut Oil hair treatments- we can vouch for it, this stuff does wonders! It adds moisture, shine, and softness- what’s not to love? It significantly improves the health of hair, and helps it grow longer and stronger! Try to shoot for doing the treatment once a week. Also, try leaving it on overnight, or a few hours for the best results.
3. Don’t wash your hair everyday
Think of it this way, you wouldn’t wash your favorite shirt everyday. Why? Because it’s going to get worn out really quick. For hair, if you wash it everyday, it’s going to strip out all of those essential oils that help protect your hair- leaving it dry and brittle. Instead, use dry shampoo in between washes to mask the grease, it also adds that sexy texture to your hair.
Now don’t get confused, this doesn’t mean don’t shower everyday – All this means is try skipping a day or two in between washes (so wear a shower cap or just put your hair in a top bun). It will also depend on your hair texture how long you can go in between washes. For example, fine hair gets greasy quicker than thicker hair. Because of this, women with fine hair may only be able to go a day or two without washing, while thicker-haired girls can go an entire week with only one wash!
4. Shower Tips
It’s important to note that hair is most prone to damage when it is wet. With this in mind, here are a few tips that we use:
Always brush out all tangles before showering. Start brushing from the ends and work your way to the scalp. This is because tangles start at the bottom.
Only use warm and cold water on your hair. Hot water dehydrates your strands, which makes it dry and brittle. It’s ideal to rinse out with cool water.
Use a sulfate free shampoo, it will make your hair shinier and healthier. With a sulfate free shampoo however, you really have to make sure you work it into your hair (It doesn’t lather up like sulfated shampoo.)
Only use shampoo on your scalp, don’t use it one the ends or they will dry out.
Massage scalp in a circular motion using your fingertips (not your nails).
Use an old T-shirt to wrap your hair with instead of a towel.(The fibers in towels cause split ends)
Only use a wide tooth comb to brush out hair while its wet. Again, start from the bottom and work your way to the top
When your hair is damp, spray in a leave-in conditioner. Also, use 1-2 drops of an oil of your choice (Argon, Morrocan, silk infusion) and work into your palms. Rub the oil in starting at the ends and work it to the mid-shaft. Never go above the ear or else you will wind up with greasy hair.
5. Avoid Tight Hairstyles
When you wear a tight hairstyle, as it puts tension on the hair follicle, which is damaging. Instead, wear your hair down, or in loose ponytails and braids.
6. Trims…
This one is a tricky one, so bear with us. We’ve all heard that you should get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks. We get it. Here’s the thing, if you are frequently using heat on your hair, getting it dyed all the time, then yes- you probably should get it trimmed that frequently. That’s because odds are you have split ends.
However, if you follow all the tips mentioned here and you don’t use a lot of hea ton your hair, you can go between 3-4 months in between trims.
7. Diet & Exercises
Protein is particularly involved in healthy hair, and if you do not take in enough in your diet, hair loss can occur or your hair can become brittle and dull. Also, exercise helps with blood flow, which in return helps hair growth.
8. Vitamins
These key vitamins can help promote hair growth and health.
Biotin
Prenatal Vitamins
Vitamin E (Also great for your skin!)
Folic Acid
9. Blood circulation
Blood circulation helps hair grow. Here are some ways to get your blood flowing :
Massage your scalp with you fingers in a circular motion
Exercise
Handstands
10. Patience
Just remember, your hair’s not going to grow overnight. It takes a lot of time and patience to really grow it out long and strong. Stay committed and consistent, change a few unruly habits, and overtime you will see the results!
